Choosing An Early Learning Program

Young children learn through relationships. This is seen in the “serve and return” between infants and their caregivers. Just like in a tennis game, children develop a back and forth with caregivers that aids in their development. This interaction continues the conversation and gives the child new ideas to think about and practice using language skills. When visiting programs, observe teachers to see if they are actively engaging children in a variety of learning activities. Look for signs that caregivers have strong, positive relationships with the children. Caregivers should be responsive to children’s needs and behaviors.

• Caretivers get down to the children's level so they can make eye contact.
• Caregivers are talking with infants and toddlers and that they are listening to the children.
• Caregivers describe what they are doing and what the children are doing as they interact.
• Caregivers seem to know about each child’s interests.
• Caregivers are asking children questions and responding warmly to continue the conversation.
• Conflict or behavior issues arise, and are they teaching the children how they can resolve problems, instead of just stopping challenging behavior.
• The teachers are helping children learn how to handle their emotions and get along well with the other children in the group.
• Infants are allowed to sleep and eat according to their own schedule.

• Teachers having extended conversations that help children think beyond the here and now.
• Teachers asking “wh” questions (Who? What? Where? Why? When?)
• Teachers asking children to think about the past, present and future.

• Long periods of time when all children are doing the same thing
• Lots of flash cards and worksheets

Early learning centers may follow a particular curriculum or philosophy to help students learn and grow. Learn about a center's particular curriculum and why they have chosen that curriculum or approach. A center’s curriculum should address all aspects of a child’s development including social, emotional, physical, language and cognitive.

The child-to-caregiver ratio is the number of children per each caregiver in a center. Class size is the number of children who learn and play together at one time.

Small child-to-adult ratio and group sizes mean that each child is likely to get more attention from the caregivers. For younger children small ratios and class sizes are even more important.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends that babies need a ratio of no more than 1 adult for 3 or 4 infants while most 4-year-olds can do well with a ratio of 1 adult for 8 to 10 children. Louisiana law allows early learning centers to have higher ratios than NAEYC recommends. However, many programs keep lower ratios than are required. Louisiana does not regulate class size, so it is important to ask about group sizes.

Below are Child-to-Caregiver Ratios allowed by law and recommended by NAEYC.

Public-funded programs receive a Performance Rating of Excellent, High Proficient, Proficient, Approaching Proficient, and Unsatisfactory. The ratings are based on the quality of teacher-child interactions (supporting child's growth and development).

Each program receives a performance profile that includes additional non-rated information including teacher credentials, caregiver-to-child ratios and curriculum to help parents make informed decisions. All early education programs that receive public funds (e.g. public PreK, NSECD, Head Start, CCAP) must participated in the rating system.

Visit:

• Louisiana Believes for additional information about Early Childhood Perfomance Profiles.
• Louisiana School and Center Finder to review Early Childhood Perfomance Profiles.
• The Star Rating System for School Readiness Tax Credits.

Caregivers with special training in working with children are better able to help children learn. Consider asking some of the following questions about the staff and their preparation when visiting a center.

• Does the center provide opportunities for ongoing staff development and what specific training have staff members completed?
• Are staff members trained in child abuse prevention and reporting?
• How would the staff handle specific situations and emergencies such as a fire in the building, a power outage or street flooding?

An important staff quality check is how often caregivers leave the center and are replaced with new staff. Children learn and grow best when they stay for at least a year with the same caregiver. Frequent staff changes can be emotionally hard on children. Click here to explore additional information on staff turnover rates in Early Education.

1. START EARLY
Start searching in advance. No matter what kind of care is being considered—an early learning center, care in someone’s home, or a school-based program— finding the right early care and education option can take some time.

2. RESEARCH OPTIONS
Use this site as a starting place to learn about early child care options in New Orleans. Consider family's needs when reviewing options.

3. VISIT & ASK QUESTIONS
Consider these key indicators of quality: